Wabash, Jan. 29 - Funeral services for Ruth Marie Alber, 17-year-old senior at Chippewa High School, will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the Hoover Funeral Home. The young girl died Sunday at the Wabash County Hospital after a brief illness. She was born in Wabash, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Alber, and had spent her entire life on her parent's farm near Wabash. Besides her parents, she is survived by one sister, Bernice and one brother, Donald at home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Richard Armstrong, 28, 1908 South Harrison Street, well-known downtown newspaper vendor, died at 3:15 o'clock Tuesday morning at St. Joseph's Hospital where he had been a patient since January 3. He was known throughout the downtown district as "Dick." He sold newspapers at the various bus stations and at the Nickel Plate Depot for many years. He lived in Fort Wayne his entire life and was a member of Simpson Methodist Church. Survivors include the mother, Mrs. Minnie Armstrong, with whom he resided, and three brothers, Donald, Calvin and Russell Armstrong, all of this city.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

Mrs. Anna Banut, 52, a member of the Roumanian Centennial Society, died at 2:55 am yesterday at her home, 2513 Graeter Street, after an illness of four months. She came to the United States in 1912 and had resided in the city since that time. The husband died two years ago. (John) Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Virginia Segyde of Fort Wayne and Miss Florence Banut at home; two sons, Daniel and John Banut, both at home; and a sister and a brother residing in Roumania. The body will be taken from C M Sloan & Sons Funeral home to the Romanian Hall at noon today, where it may be viewed. Services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday at the Roumanian Hall with Rev. Simone Milhalton of Hammond officiating and interment will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Van Wert, O., Jan. 18 - Heart disease proved fatal today to C. R. Baxter of this city. He had been ill more than a year and had been bedfast the past month. Surviving are his widow, Margaret; three children, Mrs. Paul Merritt and Mrs. Harry Hardin of this city and Harry Baxter of Lima; a brother, R. W. Baxter of this city; a sister, Mrs. T. L. Roberts of Alliance, O., and two grandchildren. A sister, Mrs. John Hiller, preceded him in death Tuesday night at her home in York Township. He was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias Lodge and was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Baby Kept Under Oxygen Tent Dies
Wolcottville, Jan. 18 - Myrien Winford Beard, 15-month-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Beard of near Wolcottville, who had been kept under an oxygen tent at Lakeside Hospital at Kendallville for several days in an effort to save his life, died at 2:25 am today at the hospital of influenza and complications. Surviving are the parents, four brothers, two sisters and the grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Beard of Wolcottville and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Grogg of Auburn. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12:30 pm at the residence and at 2:30 pm at Pleasant Chapel Church near Auburn with burial in Fairfield Center Cemetery in DeKalb County.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Constantine, Mich., - Jan. 6, Mrs. Bertha Becht, 82, a resident of this village for the past three years died this morning in the local hospital after an illness of one week. Mrs. Becht was a member of the Lutheran Church and the Eastern Star and also a member of the Auxiliary of the Spanish-American War Veterans. She is survived by three daughters. A prayer service will be held at the Geisler Funeral Chapel Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. The body will be taken to Centralia, Illinois for burial.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Columbia City, Jan. 19 - Elmer Ellsworth Beezley, 76, janitor at the Farmers Loan and Trust Company, died at 3 pm today at his home here of injuries suffered Tuesday in a fall at the bank. Surviving are the widow; one daughter, Mrs. C. C. Collins of Huntington; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Ida Schron of Pierceton. The body is at the DeMoney Funeral Home. Funeral services have been set tentatively for Sunday at 2 pm at Trinity Methodist Church here with Rev. O. P. Hubbartt officiating. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Frontz W. Bennett, 67, of route 2, Bryant, half-brother of Carl Banter of Geneva, died early Sunday at Marion General Hospital in Marion. He was a retired construction worker. A native of Wells county, he had resided in Jay county for 10 years. He was a member of the Jay County Civil Defense and Jay County REACT. Surviving are his wife, Inez; one daughter, two sons, his mother, two step-daughters, one half-brother, two half-sisters, eight grandchildren 13 step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Needham & Son funeral home in Marion, with Rev. William Babb officiating. Burial will be in the 100F cemetery, Marion. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 .m. today.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN; Tuesday, January 14, 1975
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

COLUMBIA CITY, Jan. 8 - Charles Billman, 80, died at 1030 o'clock this morning at the Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, where he had been a patient since December 21. The aged man underwent a major operation. On December 30. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Survilla Billman of this city, and the following sons and daughters: Clyde Billman of Columbia city, Mrs. Marle Allen of Plymouth, Mrs. Retha Schroeder of Fort Wayne, William Billman of Agos and Howard Billman of Fort Wayne. A daughter, Mrs. Stewart of Garrett, and a son, Edward Billman of Ohio, both children by a former marriage also survive. The body was taken to the DeMoney Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon with Rev. M. E. Remseyer of Fort Wayne officiating. Burial will be made in the South Park Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Strictly private funeral services for Joseph F. Bley, 70, who died of heart disease at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning at Lawton Sanitarium where he had resided the last year, will be held Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at Julian Schone's Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home after 1 o'clock this afternoon. Death followed a week's illness. The deceased was a lifelong resident of this city. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Frank Barnett; a son, Raymond Bley; a brother, Henry L. Bley, all of this city and two grandchildren.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

Sidney, Jan. 6 - Frank C. Brown, 69, died today at his home near here after an illness of more than a year with Carcinoma. He was a native of Ohio, but had resided on a farm near Sidney for 42 years. Surviving are the widow; two daughters, Mrs. E. B. Burchby of Claypool and Mrs. L. E. Green of South Bend; two sons, Harry Brown of Argos and Lester L. Brown of South Bend; two sisters, Mrs. Bertha Myrick of Los Angeles, Cal., and Mrs. Rose McNanare of Pierceton and nine grandchildren. The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Sidney U.B. Church and burial will be in the Lower Union Cemetery in North Manchester.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Wabash, Jan. 29 - Funeral services for Thomas Brosnan, 56, will be held at 9 o'clock Tuesday morning at St. Bernard's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery. Mr. Brosnan, who was a retired farmer, died Sunday at the Wabash County Hospital following a long illness. He was a native of Kosciusko County, but had lived near Wabash for many years. He is survived by one brother, Edward Brosnan of Wabash and a sister, Mrs. George Martin of Wabash.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Auburn, Jan. 5 - Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Brown, 82, who died here yesterday, will be conducted Saturday morning at 10:30 o'clock at the Dilgard Funeral Home, Rev. Fred Wright, Pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene will officiate and burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Mrs. Sally Masterson Burton, 24, died recently at her home in Lakewood, O., according to word received here yesterday. Mrs. Burton was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Masterson of Pittsburg, Kan., former local residents. She was graduated from Central High School in 1933 as an honor pupil. She took post-graduate work at Wabash. She was married to Cecil L. Burton June 26, 1938. Mr. Burton is associated with the American Aluminum Company at Cleveland as a chemist. Survivors include the husband; the parents; four sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Hurley of Washington, Miss Esther E. Masterson of Chicago and the Misses Georgia and Vera Masterson of Pittsburgh, and three brothers, Duane E. Masterson, Jr., of Cleveland, and Richard and Robert Masterson of Pittsburgh. Funeral services and burial took place at Lakewood.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Kendallville, Jan. 6 - Mrs. Catherine Ann Butler, 71, wife of W. A. Butler died early today of pneumonia at her home here following a brief illness. Born in Pennsylvania, she came to Indiana and after her marriage resided in Jefferson Township southwest of this city for many years. Surviving are the husband; two sons, Wesley of R.R. No. 2, Kendallville, and Earl at home; two daughters, Mrs. Esther Warner of Hamilton and Mrs. Frieda Riehm of R.R. No. 2, Kendallville; one brother and three sisters. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon at the Kendallville Mortuary; Rev. Ambrose Aegerter officiating with burial in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Celina, O., Jan. 5 - Funeral services for Mrs. Laura Callen, 88, who died late, last night at the Gibbons Hospital here, will be held Monday at 2 pm at the Pulskamp Funeral Home with burial in North Grove Cemetery. She was a teacher for many years in the schools of Celina and Mercer Counties.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

J. D. Carey, aged 78 years, a pioneer resident of Union township, committed suicide, Sunday, by saturating his clothes with gasoline and applying a match. After his body became enveloped in flames he ran to a creek and attempted to extinguish them by jumping in the water. He later walked to the house, but died from his injuries Sunday evening. All of his clothing was burned from his body except that which was tucked in his boots.
Ohio City Progress (OH); December 10, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Mrs. Mary Carey of 416 West Creighton Avenue and her daughter, Mrs. C. B. Thornton of Van Wert, O., left Monday for Buffalo, NY, where they will and funeral services for a relative, Miss Eleanor Carey.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Mrs. Katherine Shea Carr, 54, died at 2:30 o'clock Monday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital, following a stroke of apoplexy she suffered two weeks ago. She resided at 2211 South Barr Street. A lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, she was a charter member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Rosary Society, Sacred Heart League and St. Vincent DePaul Society. Survivors include the husband, Charles S. Carr; a daughter, Mrs. Betty McCrady of this city; a son, Paul Carr at home; three brothers, Michael J. Shea and D. Joseph Shea of this city and John T. Shea of Indianapolis; a sister, Mrs. Margaret Waltemath of Fort Wayne and one grandchild. The body was removed to Mungovan & Sons Mortuary and will be taken home at 1 o'clock this afternoon. Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 8:30 o'clock at the residence and 9 o'clock at St. Patrick's Church, Rt. Rev. Msgr D. Lawrence Monahan officiating. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Van Wert, O., Jan. 5 - Mrs. S. F. Casto, 79, died at her home here this morning following a period of ill health since suffering a hip fracture in a fall at her home last summer. She was a native of this city and lived most her lifetime here. She was an active member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Surviving are two daughters, Miss Helen Casto at home and Mrs. Kenneth Watt of Cleveland; a sister, Mrs. W. D. Williams of this city; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2:30 pm at the Vore-Knoll Funeral Home; Rev. E. E. Snyder, pastor of St. Mark's Lutheran Church will conduct the services. Interment will be in Woodland Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Mary Kathryn Caywood, infant daughter of Delmer and Jessie Caywood, born September 17, 1920, died September 18, 1920. During her short stay on earth she endeared herself to her parents; her little life was soon spent on earth and the little bud will now bloom in heaven. She leaves father, mother and little sister, Francis and many relatives to mourn their loss. Funeral services were held from the home, at Rockford, Sunday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. Miller, burial in Riverside cemetery.
Ohio City Progress (OH); October 1, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Hartford City, Jan. 8 - Mrs. Emma Josephine Clapper, 68, widow of W. A. Clapper, for many years a prominent businessman here, died today following an illness of heart disease. Although she had not been in good health, she had not been bedfast until Friday. She is survived by four children, Clarence, Arnold, Ernestine and Gladys Clapper, all of this city; six sisters, Mrs. Charles Winkler, Mrs. Lydia Milligan and Mrs. Sadie Schumacher of Los Angeles, Mrs. J. M. Willman of Columbus, O., Miss Ella Schumacher of Richmond and Mrs. J. H. Willman of this city; and one brother, C. J. Schumacher of this city. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home; in charge of Rev. Wayne Willman of St. Marys, O. assisted by L. E. Minnerman of this city.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Former Garrett Mayor Expires
Garrett, Jan. 30 - Friends in Garrett received word of the death at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Sunday of Dr. J. A. Clevenger, 80, prominent Garrett physician and civic leader. Leaving Garrett with his wife and a chauffeur early in December, Dr. Clevenger had intended spending the winter in the south. He was born in Piqua County. O. Dr. Clevenger was among the original stockholders of the city water and light plant and served on the city council in the 90's. He was Mayor of Garrett in 1914 and again in 1918. He served on the school board and was secretary of the board at the time of his death. Surviving besides his widow are two daughters, Mrs. Samuel West of Wichita, Kan., and Mrs. Robert Bass of St. Louis, and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. The body will arrive in Garrett Wednesday afternoon and will be taken to the Zimmerman Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Taps Sounded for Aged War Veteran
Jacob Clouse, for years a familiar figure about Ohio City, honored and respected, of a happy disposition, and distinguished as being the first white child born in Liberty township, is dead. Death claimed him Monday afternoon. His illness was of short duration, old age gradually making its inroads to a constitution that bore up under many a previous hardships encountered in early pioneer life and later in the conflict of the 60's, where he experienced some severe fighting as a member of the union forces that invaded the south to forever abate the matter of slavery under the banner of emancipation. Mr. Clouse was a grand old man. The splendid family he raised will attest this. The large circle of friends who welcomed his company are fruits of his acceptable congeniality, while the life he lived, followed as closely as was possible the principle of the golden rule. His memory will be incense to the living, because he lived right and wanted to have others enjoy the same privileges as was given him. He withstood all the hardships attendant upon the early pioneer, and lived more than his allotted time, that of three score and ten. The book of all books tell us this, that to live a (some is missing) Mr. Clouse was first married to Miss Elizabeth Roush. To this union four children survive, being Miss Mary E. Clouse, Mrs. Elnora Roberts, Van Wert; Mrs. Alverta Miller, Rockford, and Mrs. Wm. Flager, Spencerville. His second marriage was to Miss Tilly Boyer. Two sons survive from this marriage, being C. C. Clouse, Ohio City, and J. G. Clouse, Houston, Texas. Three brothers are living the venerable Wm. Clouse, Ohio City; G. W. Clouse, Hatfield, Ark., and E. Clouse who resides on the old home place. On the 3rd of August, 1862, Mr. Clouse, together with his brother, William, enlisted in Co. A, 99th Regiment, O. V. I. He served during the war and was discharged at Nashville, Tenn., the 29th day of June, 1865. He was born in the year 1838, in Liberty township. J. C. Clouse, who had been here at the bedside of his father during his illness, wired from Houston, Texas, that it would be impossible for him to get here in time for the funeral, which was held Thursday afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. H. C. Stuckenburg, assisted by Revs. Guy Miller and J. O. Moffit. Interment made in Woodlawn cemetery. Jacob Clouse was 82 years of age. Very little sickness had Mr. Clouse ever known. He enjoyed good health up until a few day previous to his death. The funeral was large, attesting the esteem with which he was regarded both at home and abroad. Those from out of town to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Kepner, Lima; Mr. and Mrs. Dunifon, Van Wert; Mr. and Mrs. P. Dunifon and family, Willshire; Mr. and Mrs. Willis Rhodes and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Christman, Celina; Dick Crogan, Willshire; Mrs. Mimm, Van Wert; Mr. and Mrs. Chester Temple, Rockford; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Clouse and Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Flager, Spencerville; Mary Jane Duncan, St. Marys; Marian Duncan and family, St. Marys; George Royer, Lima; Sam Fleming and Mrs. Mary Culver, Conant; Captain and Mrs. Carman, Van Wert; Mr. and Mrs. Otto Boroff and family, Van Wert; Ben Fest and wife, Celina; Amos Duncan, St. Marys; Clayton Miller, Rockford; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Roberts, Van Wert.
Ohio City Progress (OH); July 2, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Funeral services for William Connors, 73, who died early yesterday at the Allen County Infirmary, will be held Tuesday. The body is at C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 7, 1940

Word was received here yesterday of the death of Thomas A. Corcoran, 36, of Chicago, a brother of Mrs. Harry Lauer of 2602 North Anthony Boulevard. Death followed a long illness. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 9:30 am at Chicago. Besides his sister, Mrs. Lauer, Corcoran leaves his wife, Angeline; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Corcoran of Montpelier; two sisters, Mrs. E. H. Charbonneau of Gary and Mrs. Dan Mills of Detroit, Mich.; three brothers, Frank of Baltimore, Md., Bill of Dayton, O., and James of Bridgeport, Conn.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 7, 1940

Amalio L. (Tony) Corral of Fresno, Calif., a former resident of Decatur, died Dec. 29, at the St. Agnes hospital in Fresno. He had been in failing health for several years. Mr. Corral resided in Decatur from 1933 until 1953. He was engaged in farming and was a former employee at the Central Soya plant in Decatur. Born Nov. 14, 1916, in Kansas City, Mo., he was the son of Jose D. and Maria Z. Corral. Survivors include his wife Cassie of Fresno; two sons, Raymond and Tony corral, both of Fresno; one daughter, Mary Ellen of Anaheim, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Sal (Lupe) Jauregui of Decatur; Mrs. Joe (Louise) Vela of W. Sacramento, Calif.; one brother, Joe of Chicago, Ill., and two grandchildren. Two sisters and one brother preceded him in death. Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at the St. Therese Catholic cemetery, Fresno.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Adams County, IN; Saturday, January 11, 1975
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Portland, Jan. 5 - Richard Cummins, 82, prominent Jay County farmer, died this morning at his home 10 miles southeast of Portland on the Jay and Randolph County line. He had been ill for the past three years. Surviving are the widow; three sons, James B. Cummins of Portland, William Cummins of Montpelier and John Cummins of Cleveland; four daughters, Mrs. Charles Farr of Portland, Mrs. Jess Wilkinson of Gary, Mrs. W. T. O'Rourke of Springfield and Mrs. Harold Griffin of Crown Point. Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10 o'clock from the Church of the Immaculate Conception; Rev. Francis McAuliffe, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Union City Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 6, 1940

Venedocia, O - Jan. 8, Services for Benjamin F. Davies, 73, who died suddenly Saturday at 5:30 pm while at work on his farm near this place, were conducted at the Venedocia Presbyterian Church this afternoon. Burial was in the church cemetery. Although Mr. Davies had been in ill for the past several months, his health has improved considerably during the past several months. A heart attack caused his death. He is survived by his widow, Kate: a daughter, Miss Katherine Anne Davies at home; a brother, T. C. Davies, Mendon, and a sister, Mrs. Icem Slentz, Clare, Michigan.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 8, 1940

Funeral services were held Tuesday morning for Mrs. Sarah Dealey of Van Wert. The death of Mrs. Dealey is the fifth one in the family. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Roop of near Willshire, died this winter and two sisters, Mrs. Thomas Miller, Mrs. Livina Acker, died this spring.
Ohio City Progress (OH); May 28, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Defiance, O., Jan. 6 - Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Dehaus, 83, widow of Anthony Dehaus who died of cerebral thrombosis at her home here, will be held Monday at 9 am in St. John's Catholic Church. She is survived by two daughters: Mrs. Charles Barber, Defiance, and Miss Catherine Dehaus, LaPorte, Ind.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 7, 1940

F. M. Dorman died at home in Van Wert last Saturday.
Ohio City Progress (OH); July 23, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Mrs. Homer Drake died at her home at Van Wert, Friday, from pneumonia. She leaves a husband and two children.
Ohio City Progress (OH); February 20, 1920
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Claypool, Jan. 8 - Funeral services were held recently at Bass Lake for Francis Marion Elder, 84, of Ober, a former resident of Claypool. A daughter, two sons and seven brothers and sisters including Atwood Elder of Pierceton and Lenius Elder of Claypool survive. Burial was at Ober.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 9, 1940

Hartford City, Jan. 19 - Mrs. Rosetta Emery, 77, widow of Charles Emery, died last night at her home here following an illness of three years. She is survived by 10 children, Charles Emery of Marion, Wesley and Frank Emery at home, Elmer Emery of near Indianapolis, Grover Emery of Dunkirk, Mrs. Nellie Wine, Mrs. Ethel Hurst, Mrs. Jeanette McFeely and Mrs. Belle Boothby of this city and Mrs. Florence Galecher of Mishwaka.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 20, 1940

Mrs. W. A. Evans, 71, former local resident died early Tuesday at her home in Portland, Ore., according to word received here by a brother, George McCurdy.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

Funeral services for Albert Ferguson, 62, 920 ½ South Lafayette Street, one of two victims of a train-truck crash near Stryker, O., Thursday, will be held this morning at 10 o'clock at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home, and 10:30 o'clock at the First Church of the Nazarene; Rev. C. W. Henderson officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

News of the death of John H. Fitzgerald, former local citizen at Houston, Tex., was received here yesterday by relatives. Mr. Fitzgerald was 92 years of age. He was born in Allen County near Leo in 1848. Surviving nieces and nephews in this city are Former Justice of the Peace, John H. Tancey, Mrs. James Hayes, Mrs. B. J. Howley, Mrs. Roy Traynor, Edward and William Tancey, Mrs. Nell Schaffer, Mrs. Richard Shaw and John O'Brien.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Columbia City, Jan. 6 - Mrs. Martha Fowler, 84, a resident of this county and for the past 25 years, died early today while visiting at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Crull, New Point, Ind. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Crull, Mrs. S. E. Johnson of South Bend and Mrs. Charles Slagle of this city; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Smith Funeral Home in this city. Rev. G. F. Hubbarts will officiate and burial will be in the Eel River Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Funeral services for C. E. Freed of Wausau, Wis., father of Mrs. Mary Freed Gorham of 603 Kinsmoor Avenue will be held Monday at 10:30 am at Ankenbruck Funeral Home. J. F. Wells, a Christian Science Reader will be in charge. Burial will be in Ligonier Cemetery. Freed's body arrived here yesterday from Wisconsin, following his unexpected death Thursday at Wausau. He was a former Ligonier resident. He is survived by his wife, his daughter and two grandchildren here; two sisters, Mrs. Ed Williams and Mrs. Arthur Newton, both of Ligonier and a brother, Chester of Ligonier.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Van Wert, O., Jan. 5 - Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:30 pm at the Gamble & Alspach Funeral Home in this city for Emmett Gamble, 73, who died Thursday following an illness extending over 18 years. He was a native of Pleasant Township and was active as a carpenter here until his retirement. He served as custodian of the Brumback Library for a number of years. Gamble was a lifelong member of the First Methodist Church and attained the record of having attending Sunday School without a miss for nearly 30 years. Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Ruth Gamble Wolf of Lansing, Mich.; a brother, E. O. Gamble of Chicago; two grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The services will be conducted by Rev. R. B. Foster with interment in Woodland Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Miss Amelia Gerding, 45, who resided on the Bass Road in Lake Township, died at 3:15 o'clock Friday afternoon at St. Joseph's Hospital, following an eight-month illness. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the Tabea Society. Survivors include the father, L. W. Gerding, at home; two brothers, Herman and Carl Gerding of Lake Township, and a sister, Miss Minnie Gerding at home. The body was removed to Wellman's Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. today at the Presbyterian Church in Celina, O., for Carl Gibbons, 87, of Celina, who died Monday at Otis hospital, Celina. Burial was in North Grove cemetery and the W. H. Dick & Sons funeral home was in charge of the services. The well-known Celina resident was in the restaurant business for 48 years and had operated the former Gibbons Café on S. Main St. in Celina. Mr. Gibbons was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. He was a 50-year member of both the Eagles Lodge, Celina, and the Elks, Wapakoneta, O. He was a veteran of World War 1 and a member of the American Legion post 210. Born May 11, 1887, in New Corydon, he was the son of Alonzo and Mary Fox-Gibbons. He was married on Dec. 14, 1921 to Emma Swigert, who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Mrs. LaDoyt (Virginia) Rumple, route 1, Rockford, O.; Mrs. Robert (Margie) Casey of Celina, O., four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren., Two brothers and two sisters preceded him in death.
Decatur Daily Democrat, Wednesday, January 15, 1975
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Lorenzo D. Hall, 80, died at 6:55 pm yesterday at a nursing home at 1408 Swinney Avenue after an extended illness. Surviving are a son, Raymond Hall of this city; two half-sisters, Mrs. James Deuberry of Nobleton, Fla., and Mrs. Harve Firestone of Goshen; two grandchildren and a great grandson. The body was taken to C.M. Sloan & Sons Funeral Home and may be viewed after 6 pm today until 9 am Wednesday when it will be taken to a funeral home in Milford for services at 10:30 am. Interment will be in the Milford Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Plan Rites for Bank President
Delphos, O., Jan. 29 - Funeral services for F. J. Helmkamp, 89, president of the Citizens Federal Savings and Loan Association of this city and proprietor of a meat market here for 60 years will be held Wednesday at 9 am at St. John's Catholic Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Helmkamp helped organize the loan association nearly half a century ago and had been a member of the board of directors ever since. He also had been a member of the board of directors of the Commercial Bank since 1892. Surviving are the widow; four sons, William, Fred, George and Ralph Helmkamp, all of Delphos; three daughters, Marie and Marguerite Helmkamp of Delphos and Claris Helmkamp of Cleveland; seven grandchildren and one brother, Theodore J. Helmkamp of Delphos.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Markle, Jan. 8 - John William Henderson, 83, died at 2 pm today at his home here after an illness of six weeks. He was a native of Rock Creek Township. Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Ella Keller Henderson to whom he had been married 58 years; one daughter, Mrs. Jessica Fikel of Pomona, Cal.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; one brother, George Henderson of Greensburg and one sister, Mrs. Cora Sproal of Roanoke. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1:30 pm at the residence with Rev. W. H. Mohler officiating. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery at Brown's Corner near here. The McGuffey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Columbia City, Jan. 7 - Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Hill, 76, died at 7:35 o'clock tonight at the home of her son, Oscar Hill of near here. She had been ill since Wednesday when she suffered a stroke of paralysis. Surviving are the son; two grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Aaron Appleton of Whitley County and five brothers, Austin, Russell and Ben Hively of Whitley County, Ed Hively of Monroeville and Arlie Hively of Wisconsin. The body is at the DeMoney Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 pm at the Egolf Church of God with Rev. Paul Watson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Markle, Jan. 7 - Mrs. Merle Hite, 50, wife of Perry Hite of Markle, died late last night at the home of her sister, Mrs. Indiana Biehl of Huntington, a few miles after becoming ill in the business district there. Surviving are the husband; four sons, Joe, Wendell, Ivan and Ennis Hite at home; two daughters, Mrs. Miriam Bardsley of Warren and Mrs. Evan Beghtel of New Haven; four grandchildren; two brothers, Paul Hughes of Fort Wayne and John Hughes of Roanoke; and four sisters, Mrs. Mary Ella Smith of Fort Wayne, Clara Hughes and Mrs. Biehl of Huntington and Mrs. Francis Ulmer of Bluffton. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 pm at the Markle Methodist Church of which she was a member with Rev. H. W. Mohler officiating. Burial will be in Markle Cemetery. The Funderberg Funeral Home of Markle is in charge of arrangements.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Van Wert - Jan. 5, George Barton Holland, 79, native of Ridge Township and former contractor died Thursday night at his home following a prolonged illness. He moved from Ridge Township to Van Wert about 20 years ago. He was a member of the Ridge Methodist Church for many years. He is survived by his widow, Wilma; three sons, John Holland of Ridge Township, Donald of Pleasant Township and Lynn Holland of Covington, O., and a daughter, Mrs. Isem Marker of Jackson Township. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at the Loe Funeral Home at 2 pm; Rev. J. O. Mosler will officiate. Burial is to be in Woodland Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

The body of Grover C. Honn, 52, of 2014 Catalpa Street, who died of coronary occlusion at 5:15 o'clock Friday morning at the Lutheran Hospital, where he had been a patient since January 9, will be sent to Matoon, Ill., at 10:37 o'clock tonight. The deceased was employed as a janitor for the Peoples' Trust and Savings Company. Survivors include the widow, Frances I.; two sisters, Mrs. John Davidson of Matoon and Mrs. Leona McCoskey of Lake Village, and several nieces and nephews. The body was removed to Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Wabash, Jan. 19 - Funeral services for Margaret Ann Hoover, 72, wife of Joe Hoover, former Wabash County Recorder, who died at her home late Thursday evening, will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Christian Church with Rev. Fred W. Wolff in charge. Burial will be in the Springdale Cemetery at Bunker Hill. Mrs. Hoover, who had been confined to her home for some time, was born in Cass County. She had lived in Wabash for more than 20 years. Surviving are the husband and five children, Mrs. J. C. Fickle of Galveston, Mrs. Guy Bahney, Joe Hoover, Jr., and Jay Hoover of Peru and Mrs. E. M. Graves of Wabash.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Former Resident Killed in Crash
George K. Hubbard, citrus grower of Riverside, California, and a former local resident, was fatally hurt when struck by a motorcycle at a street intersection at Riverside, according to word received here yesterday from Frank Cunnison, former Allen County Recorder and now Deputy Assessor at Riverside. Hubbard's death was held accidental by a coroner's jury. Raymond Gagne, driver of the motorcycle testified he did not see Hubbard until too late to avoid striking him. The deceased went to California about 25 years ago. While living here, he operated a bee hive factory on Harrison Street, south of the Wabash Railroad tracks.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Bluffton, Jan. 29 - Word was received here today of Mrs. Florence Ulmer Johnson, 50, in a hospital at Battle Creek, Mich., of pneumonia that followed an illness from influenza. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Ulmer of this county and resided here until 15 years ago. Surviving are the husband, George Johnson; a daughter, Mrs. Robert Currier of Jackson, Mich.; a brother, Tilden Ulmer of Bridgeport, Ill., and four sisters, Mrs. Charles Van Emon of Bridgeport, Ill., Mrs. T. O. Evans of Olivet, Mich., Mrs. David Grove of Columbia City and Mrs. Mary Montgomery of Frankfort. Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Wednesday at Battle Creek.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 19403

Defiance, O., Jan. 18 - The funeral of Frederick Kammeyer, 80, Noble Township farmer who died of dropsy after a year's illness, will be held Friday at 2 pm in St. Paul's Lutheran Church here. Surviving are a son, Fred L., Noble Township; two brothers, Henry and Deatrick, Defiance and a sister, Mrs. Sophia Schultz, Tiffin Township.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Mrs. Martha Keck, 58, died at her home two miles southwest of Poe at 4 pm yesterday after an illness of one month. Surviving are her husband, James G. Keck; two daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Egley of New Decatur and Miss Helen Keck, at home; two sons, Raymond and Edward Keck, at home; a sister, Mrs. William Spenn of Pleasant Township; three brothers, Andrew Linker of Fort Wayne, Louis Linker of Sidney, O., and Clarence Linker of Craigville, and two grandchildren. The body was taken to the Elzey and Sons Funeral Home at Ossian where funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Monday. The place of burial will be announced later.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Gertrude Maude Klein, 82, who died of pneumonia early Friday morning at her home at 431 Perry Avenue following an illness since Tuesday noon, will be held Monday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home; Dr. C. O. Emery officiating. Burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. Friends may view the body at the funeral home. Born in Peru, the deceased had resided here the last 30 years. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Loyal Order of Moose, the Yeomen's Drill Team and the Nebraska Mothers' Chorus. Survivors include the husband, August; two sons, Arthur and Elmer Klein of this city; three brothers, William Weber of Chicago, Frank of Milwaukee, Wis., and Edward Weber of this city; a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Kline of Chicago and four grandchildren. Members of the Nebraska Mothers' Chorus are asked to meet at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon to sing during the services.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Coldwater, O., Jan. 5 - Funeral services will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church at Philothea Monday morning at 9 o'clock for Mrs. Edward Knapke, 36, who died at her home in Philothea Thursday morning following a long illness. Surviving are the husband, Edward Knapke; her mother, Mrs. Bernard Dues, Philothea; four sons, Robert, Jerry, James and Edward Jr. and two daughters, Mary Lou and Sylvia, all at home; six brothers, George Dues, Ben Dues, August Dues and Conrad Dues, all of Philothea; Joseph Dues, Wendelin, and Herman Dues, St. Louis; three sisters, Mrs. Joseph Kaup and Mrs. Ben Stefring, both of Philothea and Mrs. Joseph Braun, St. Joe. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Mrs. Anna Lois Knight, 70, died yesterday at her home near here. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 pm at the Metz Church with burial at Edon, Ohio. The body is at the Weicht Funeral Home at Angola and will be returned to the residence Tuesday. Surviving are three sons, five grandchildren and two brothers.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Ligonier, Jan. 6 - Mrs. Marie Koontz, 64, former resident of Ligonier, died this morning at her home at Toledo after an illness of two years. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 pm at the U.B. Church here with burial in Oak Park Cemetery. The Brown Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Surviving are her husband, Arthur Koontz; one son, Clayton Koontz of Toledo; two daughters, Mrs. Eva Young and Mrs. Amy Raby of Toledo; one brother, V. G. Horn of Ligonier and two sisters, Mrs. Emma Eytchison of Ligonier and Mrs. Margaret Beckwith of Elkhart.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Delphos, O., Jan. 29 - Last rites for Mrs. Mathias Kroeger, 56, who died suddenly Saturday morning at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, will be conducted in St. John's Church in Landeck at 9 o'clock Thursday morning. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Kroeger resided south of this city. She is survived by her husband; two sons, Marcelius, Delphos and Arthur, Lima; four daughters, Mrs. Mellitus Schimmoeller, Ottoville, Mrs. Leonard Metzger, Delphos, Mrs. Elmer Trentman, Lima and Margaret Mary Kroeger, at home; six grandchildren; three brothers, Mathias, Otto and Aloysius Kaverman, southwest of Delphos, and four sisters, Mrs. Agnes Grone, Delphos, and Mrs. Edward Schimmoeller, Mrs. Lawrence Schimmoeller and Mrs. John Schimmoeller, all of near Ft. Jennings.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

William Kroemer, 70, of Washington Township died at 10:55 o'clock last night at a local hospital. The body was taken to Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940
Funeral services for William Koremer, 79, of Washington Township will be held Wednesday at 10 am at Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Fred Heidbrink of Concordia in charge. Burial will be in Concordia Cemetery. Kroemer, who died late Friday night at the Allen County Infirmary, is survived by four nieces and nephews. He was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Dr. and Mrs. George William Allison of 3810 Fairfield Avenue were called to Hanover by the death Monday morning of Mrs. John Kunkel, mother of Mrs. Allison. Dr. Allison is pastor of the First Presbyterian Church.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Funeral services for Mrs. Rosina Lengacher, 89, of Milan Township will be held at 9 am Monday at the residence one mile south of Harlan. Burial will be in the Amish Cemetery. Mrs. Lengacher, a member of the Amish faith died early Saturday morning at her home. Surviving are her husband, Peter; two children, Meno Lengacher and Mrs. Rosana Yoder; four grandchildren; four sisters, Mrs. Fannie Miller, Mrs. Catherine Yoder, Mrs. Mary Delagrange, Mrs. Sarah Lengacher; four brothers, Joe, Jacob, John and Daniel Lengacher.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

John F. Linneman, 62, telegraph operator for the Nickel Plate Railroad for 27 years, died of apoplexy at 9:15 o'clock last night at his home, 1024 Putnam Street. He was active until stricken last July 16. He was a member of the Precious Blood Catholic Church, the Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Lizetta Linneman; two daughters, Mrs. Ray Williams of this city and Mrs. Lowell DeVore of Sherwood, O.; four brothers, Frank of Montezuma, O., William of Delphos and Fred and Leo Linneman, both of Dayton, O.; four sisters, Mrs. Catherine Fisher of Minster, O., Mrs. Cecelia Roessler and Mina Carolina Linneman, both of Dayton and Mrs. Anna Klosterman of Montezuma, and three grandchildren. The body was removed to the Ankenbruck Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

Venedocia, O. Jan. 8 - The funeral of Mrs. Jane Lloyd, 87, died of pneumonia at her home in Venedocia at noon yesterday, will be held at the Presbyterian Church here at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. The pastor, Rev. W. T. Jones is to officiate. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mrs. Lloyd, a resident of Vendocia the greater part of her life, has been ill a week. She is survived by a son, Russell, York Township; three grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. John Hughes, Venedocia.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Sturgis, Mich., Jan. 18 - Mrs. Alida Stafford Long, 86, a resident of this city for many years, died yesterday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank Switzer of Cleveland, following an illness of two months. Surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Switzer, Mrs. Lucille Hern of LaGrange and Mrs. Victoria Elya of Detroit. Services will be held at the Foglesong Funeral Home Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock with Rev. O. R. Grattan of the Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be in Brighton, Ind. Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Wabash, Jan. 19 - Mrs. Lena Long, 71, died at 10 o'clock this morning at her home here. Death was unexpected as Mrs. Long had not been ill. She was the widow of Samuel Long and was born near Urbana. Mrs. Long lived in Grant County on a farm for a number of years, but had spent the major part of her life in this county. She is survived by nine children, Miss Leona Long, public school teacher here who made her home with her mother; Hobart Long, also at home; Mrs. Beulah Parks, Mrs. Ray Gollifer, Mrs. W. A. George and Theodore Long, all of Muncie; Orville and Charles Long, Gas City, and Harvey Long, Los Angeles.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Miss Helen Maloney, 32, of R.R. No. 1, Fort Wayne, died unexpectedly at 12:30 am yesterday at St. Joseph's Hospital after a brief illness. In failing health recently, she was employed as a clerk at the General Electric Company for 12 years and was a member of St. Vincent's Catholic Church, The Rosary Society of the church and the G. E. Elex Club. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Maloney of Allen County; five brothers, Gerald of St. Joe Township, James of Fort Wayne, Paul, Ralph and John at home; two sisters, Mrs. Ralph Malcolm of Huntertown and Miss Jane Maloney at home. Funeral services will be held at 8:15 am Wednesday at Mungovan & Sons Mortuary and at 9 am at St. Vincent's Church with Rev. Charles Keyser officiating. Interment will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Lagro, Jan. 6 - Mrs. Mert McNown, 62, died today at the Wabash County Hospital where she had been a patient since suffering a stroke of paralysis several weeks ago. She was the wife of Mert McNown Funeral Director here for many years. The body was removed to the Hoover Funeral Home in Wabash. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940
Lagro, Jan. 7 - Funeral services for Mrs. Merton McNown, 61, who died yesterday at the Wabash County Hospital at Wabash, will be held Tuesday at 2 pm at the Lagro Presbyterian Church with Rev. J. S. Howk officiating. Burial will be in the Lagro I.O.O.F. Cemetery. Surviving are her husband and four children, Edwin McNown of Bluffton and Heston, Robert and Jane McNown at home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Celina, O., Jan. 18 - Mrs. Josephine Hoenic Mesarvey, 69, wife of Probate Judge John Mesarvey, Celina, died at her home at 7 o'clock this morning following a heart attack. She was a member of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Gerhardt Doerman, Sterling, Ill., and Mrs. Lawrence Kable, Celina; one son, Ed Mesarvey, Celina and six grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Miss Ida Margaret Miller, 47, of Defiance, O., died last night at 10:10 o'clock at the home of her brother, George J. Miller of 2018 Dodge Avenue. Death followed an illness of three weeks. Miss Miller was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church at Defiance and the Order of Eastern Star of Defiance. Surviving are the mother, Mrs. Charles L. Miller, and the brother, George J. Miller. The body was taken to Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home and later to the Mansfield Funeral Home at Defiance. Funeral services will be held in Defiance.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

Claypool, Jan. 6 - Isaac F. Minear, 84, died last night at his home in Claypool. He had been ill one week with uremic poisoning. Surviving are two sons, Orange Minear of Lakeville and Jerry Minear of Rantoul, Ill., and four daughters, Mrs. Maud Pflejderer of Claypool and Sarah Lillie and Minnie, all at home; The funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 pm at the Tucker Funeral Home in Claypool; Rev. George Pontius, pastor of the Warsaw Progressive Brethren Church will officiate and burial will be in the Claypool Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Hartford City, Jan. 5 - Mrs. Alma Moore, 52, wife of William O. Moore, Hartford City coal dealer, died this morning at the family home in Dunkirk following an extended illness. She is survived by her husband; two son, Edward and Frederick Moore of Danville and six sisters.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940
Dunkirk, Jan. 5 - Mrs. Alma B. Moore, 52, died at her home here this morning at 10 o'clock. Surviving are the husband William O. Moore; two sons, Edward E. of Danville and Frederick L. of Muncie; six sisters, Mrs. Ida Roderick of Dunkirk, Mrs. Isabelle Custer and Mrs. Ella Close of Venia, O., Miss Lena Dodge of Chicago, Mrs. Sussie Markin of California and Mrs. Wilma Ginn of Tulsa, Okla., and one brother, John Dodge of Trenton. Funeral arrangements have not been completed
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940
Hartford City - Jan. 6, The funeral of Mrs. Alma Moore, 52, wife of William O. Moore, local coal dealer will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the G. L. Jones Mortuary in Dunkirk. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery near Eaton.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Arthur Morehead, 58, brother of Mrs. Grace Schubert of 1115 Dodge Avenue died of pneumonia Thursday at a hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich. He formerly resided at Willshire, O. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Evelyn O'Leary of Jackson, Mich., and Mrs. Berneta Harwood of Sparta, Mich.; a son, Robert Morehead of Battle Creek, Mich.; four grandchildren; a brother, Calvin Morehead of Minneapolis, Minn., and two sisters, Mrs. Schubert of this city and Mrs. George Lovewell of Allegan, Mich. Funeral services and burial will take place at Willshire.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Warsaw, Jan. 18 - Mrs. Bertha Neibert, 65, of near Oswego, died this morning at the McDonald Hospital where she had been a patient for two days. She was a member of the Oswego Baptist Church. Surviving are two sons, Dallas Poppenfoose of near Leesburg and Deardorff Poppenfoose, whose address is unknown and six grandchildren. The funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 pm at the Oswego Baptist Church with Rev. B. H. Truman of Warsaw officiating. Interment will be in the North Webster Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Payne, O., - Jan. 6, Mrs. Elnora Parady, 75, died last evening at her home here following a heart attack she suffered earlier in the day. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Anna Harp of near Payne, Mrs. Genevieve Neher and Mrs. Catherine Ehle of Fort Wayne and Miss Ellen Parady at home; 12 grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters. The body may be viewed at the Snyder Funeral Home until time of the funeral. Funeral arrangements have not been completed.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Huntington, Jan. 5 - Mrs. Goldie Cheeseman Pasko, 50, died today at her home six miles southeast of the city after six years of invalidism. Surviving are the husband, John M. Pasko; two sons, John Thomas and Virgil Emmet Pasko, Union Township; two brothers, John and Emmet Leroy Cheeseman, both of Huntington Township and one grandchild. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Barnes Chapel Methodist Church. Burial will be in the Barnes Chapel I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Celina, O., Jan. 19 - Funeral services will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception Monday morning at 9 o'clock for Mrs. Anna Fullenkamp Pleiman, 45, who died at her home here Thursday morning following a heart attack. Surviving are the husband, George Pleiman; her mother, Mrs. Minnie Fullenkamp; three sons, LaVaun, Bernard, and George Pleiman, Jr., all at home; three daughters, Viola Pleiman in the Convent at Salem Heights, Dayton and Betty Lou and Marilyn, both at home; five brothers, Frank Fullenkamp, St. Henry, Jake Fullenkamp, Ft. Recovery, Ben Fullenkamp, Philothea, Herman Fisher, Dayton and Charles Fullenkamp, Sidney; three sisters, Mrs. Mary Brockman, Philothea, Mrs. Lewis Stahl and Mrs. Christina Fullenkamp, both of Celina. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Funeral services for Walter G. Riley, 71, retired jeweler who died at 12:50 o'clock Friday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clayton Briggs on the Cook Road, will be held Monday morning at 11 o'clock at the residence, Rev. Henry Switzer of Gary officiating. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery at Gary. The body was taken to Chalfant-Perry & Pook's Funeral Home. The deceased had been in ill health the last six months. He came here two years ago from Gary where he was engaged in the jewelry business for 30 years. He was a Thirty-Second Degree Mason and a member of the Gary Shrine. Survivors include the daughter, Mrs. Briggs; two grandchildren; a brother, Roscoe H. Riley of Wellington, Kan., and two sisters, Mrs. J. H. Napp of Washington and Mrs. Edna Humphreys of Grandville, O.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Levi Robinson, aged citizen of Rockford, died Wednesday night of cerebral hemorrhage. Funeral Friday afternoon. He was an uncle of Mrs. E.H. Alspaugh of this town.
Willshire Herald (OH); June 27, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Charles F. Rohlman, 64, died at 8:10 o'clock last night at 442 East Wildwood Avenue, where he made his home with his niece, Miss Edna Bade. His death followed a heart attack. An employee of the Louis Rastetter & Son Company for the past 20 years, Mr. Rohlman worked a full day yesterday. He suffered the attack following dinner while he was reading a newspaper. Surviving are a brother, John Rohlman of Fort Wayne and several nieces and nephews. The body was taken to the Robert Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home. Services will be announced later.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette (IN); January 20, 1940

Willshire Adds Another Gold Star to Service Flag
Mrs. F. M. Roll, who resides a short distance northeast of this village, received a letter from the War Department Thursday evening, stating that their son, Harry E. Roll, had died in France, Oct. 21, 1918. A letter from the lieutenant of Harry's company, F, 336 infantry, gave no particulars save to state that the body had been buried in the American cemetery at Reviguy, Mouse, France, and an identification marker placed at the head of his grave.
Willshire Herald (OH); January 31, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

RELATIVE OF WILLSHIRE MAN DIED IN COLUMBUS
The funeral of Mrs. Willard Roller, who died at her home in "Columbus" Friday, February 21, 1919, was held at Wesley Chapel, twelve miles east of Willshire, Monday afternoon, and in attendance from this community were Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Roller, Byron Whittredge and wife, and Marlon Roller and wife. Mrs. Willard Roller was a cousin of Mrs. Whittredge, Dr. and Marion Roller, and leaves a husband and four small children to mourn their loss.
Willshire Herald (OH); February 28, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

A FOREMOST CITIZEN BOWS TO MASTER HAND
Col. Theodore Roosevelt died Monday morning, at four o'clock, at his home on Sagamore Hill. He only recently returned to the family home after spending many weeks in a hospital in New York, where he received treatment for an infection of the bone behind the ear. Col. Roosevelt's death was unexpected, the hope having been held out that he was on the way to recovery at the time of his discharge from the hospital. The announcement issued by the attending physicians said Col. Roosevelt retired Sunday night in good spirits and feeling well and that death was due to a clot of blood on the heart. Several members of the family were at his bedside when the end came. The home was immediately closed and visitor were not permitted to enter the grounds. Col. Roosevelt was aged sixty years and was a native of New York. He was a picturesque American citizen and was fearless in both public and private life. He was the twenty-sixth president of the United States. He graduated from Harvard University with honors, in 1880. Began the study of law in 1881 and at this time was elected to the New York state assembly, where he served a second term. He was defeated for mayor of New York in 1886. Member of United States civil service commission in 1889. Police commissioner of New York in 1895. Assistant secretary of the Unite States navy in 1897. Resigned for active service with Spanish-American war. Served as colonel of Rough Riders. Governor of New York, 1898. Vice-president of United States, 1900. Succeeded to presidency at death of William McKinley. Progressive party candidate for president, 1912. Awarded noble prize, $40,000, 1906. Special ambassador to funeral for King Edward, 1910. Prominent advocate of civil service reforms, on staff of Outlook, big game hunter in Africa and South America, author of many books and articles, advocate of preparedness for war and chief public speaker of the country against the German empire.
Willshire Herald (OH); January 10, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

George U. Sauer, 82, resident of Fort Wayne for the past 10 years died at his home Saturday night following a stroke of paralysis. He was a retired tailor and came here from Louisville, Ky. Surviving are the widow, Carrie K. Sauer; a daughter, Mrs. Herman Tierman of Fort Wayne; four sons, Harry of Auburn, Walter of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Ulrich and Robert of Louisville; a sister, Miss Carrie Sauer of Louisville and a brother, William Sauer of Louisville. The deceased was a member of St. John's Evangelical Church in Louisville. The body was removed to the Chalfant, Perry & Pook Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 8 pm Tuesday at the home with Herbert Rieke, Christian Science Reader, in charge. The body will be taken to Louisville, Ky., early Wednesday where services and burial will be Thursday. The body will be returned to the residence at 1 pm today.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 8, 1940

Spencerville, Jan. 18 - Funeral services for Mrs. Menta Saylor, 80, who died yesterday at her home near here, will be held Friday at 2 pm at the Methodist Church here with burial in Spencerville Cemetery; Rev. J. M. Scholes will officiate. The Kinsey Funeral Home at St. Joe is in charge of arrangements. Surviving are one son, Hurley Saylor with whom she lived; two grandchildren; one brother, Wesley W. Wyatt and two sisters, Mrs. May Latson and Mrs. Cecelia Johnson.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Fort Recovery, O., - Jan 19, Funeral services will be held at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Saturday morning at 8 o'clock for Mrs. Catherine Schmidt, 88, who died at her home at St. Anthony Thursday. Surviving are the husband, Bernard Schmidt, and two daughters, Mrs. Catherine Wagner, Bryant, Ind., and Mrs. Nettie Gross, New Kensington, Pa.; one brother, John Portz, Ft. Recovery; two sisters, Mrs. Jake Siemer, Ft. Recovery and Mrs. Barbara Kaush, Portland, Ind.; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Burial will be in the St. Peter Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 20, 1940

Charles Secrest, 80, died at 9:15 o'clock last night at a local hospital where he had been a patient since 1934. Only immediate survivors are one brother, George of Fort Wayne, and a brother-in-law of Wilshire, O. The body was removed to the L. C. Brudi & Son Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 17, 1940

RALPH SHEETS DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
Ralph Sheets, son of Oliver Sheets, one of the well-known residents of Willshire township, residing at Wren, died at 7:30 o'clock Saturday morning, April 12, 1919, aged 20 years. Death was due to the ravages of tuberculosis, which had its inception in an accident that befell the young man four or five years ago. Everything that could be suggested to effect a cure of the disease that accidentally fastened itself upon the young man acted upon by the father, who sent him to the health resorts and sanitariums of the south; but the effort to stay the hand of death except temporarily, was futile. Nothing could be done save to relieve his sufferings and death finally came as a welcome release from long and continuous suffering. Funeral services were held Monday forenoon, conducted by Rev. S. A. Macklin, of the Willshire U. B. church, with interment in Woodlawn cemetery where the remains reside of those of his mother and a brother, who preceded him to the Spirit World several years ago. Beside the father, three brothers and one sister are left to mourn because of their loss, and the family has the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends in the bereavement that come to it.
Willshire Herald (OH); April 18, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Rockford, O., - Jan. 6, Cyrus Shindeldecker, 92, lifelong resident of this community, died last night at the home of Fred Maiers south of here. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2 pm at the U.B. Church here with burial in Riverside Cemetery. Surviving are three sons, Fred Shindeldecker of Defiance, Clyde Shindeldecker of Rockford and Arnold Shindeldecker of Lima; one daughter, Mrs. Eva Rider of Wapakoneta, and two brothers, Alvin and Miles Shindeldecker of near Rockford.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Huntington - Jan. 6, Mrs. Bessie Shirts, 77, mother of Mrs. Leo Sowerwine of this city, died today at a Richmond hospital after several years' illness. The husband, Elbert Shirts died in 1908. Surviving are daughter and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10 am Monday at the Evans & Godby Funeral Home in Noblesville and burial will be in Crownland Cemetery at Noblesville.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Mrs. Sofia Siebold Smith, 75, wife of George Smith died at her home, 721 High Street at 9:30 o'clock last night after a three-year illness of diabetes. She was a native and lifelong member of Grace Reformed Church. Surviving besides the husband are one daughter, Mrs. Georgia Tuttle of Milwaukee; a son, Roy Smith of Milwaukee; three grandchildren; four brothers, George, Samuel, Edward Siebold of Fort Wayne and William Siebold of California. The body was removed to Klaehn & Sons Funeral Home.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Hartford City, Jan. 6 - The funeral of Elizabeth Joan Smoots, two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Don Smoots of Dunkirk, who died this morning in the Ball Hospital at Muncie, will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Burk & Fennig Chapel here. The body will be taken to the home of the great-grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Stone Sunday morning and will then be returned to the chapel for the funeral; Rev. Dyer, pastor of the Lighthouse Tabernacle will be in charge of the funeral. Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

PAYNE, O Jan. 8 - Roscoe Spencer, 71, died at the home of Jacob Mason near Payne Sunday morning following a siege of pneumonia. Surviving are two sons, Vern and Lawrence Spencer of Payne, and three daughters, Mrs. Minnie Mason of Payne, Mrs. Opal Sommers of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. Bertha Slusher of Warsaw, Indiana. Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the Church of the Nazarene, Rev. V. E. McCoy officiating. Burial will be in the Lehman Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Mrs. Spillers Finds Rest
Mrs. Mary Spillers, daughter of Zabulon and Sarah Burch, was born Aug. 10, 1865, and departed this life Oct. 7, 1919, aged 54 years, one month and 27 days. On her 17th birthday anniversary she was united in marriage to George Spillers and to this union was born three children; Mrs. Robert Muter of Willshire, Elmer Spillers of Ft. Wayne and Mrs. Garfield Martin of Pleasant Mills. Since her marriage she had resided in Mercer co., O., and Adams-co., Ind. Being an excellent carpet and rug weaver, she was well known in these parts. She did weaving at her home northwest of Willshire until failing health sometime ago compelled her to abandon it. She was unable to care for herself or family and so, disposing of her real and personal property, she made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Ella Muter, in Willshire, where she resided until death relieved her sufferings. While she made no endeavor to be notable in society, yet her plain honest and frank way of living won for her a large circle of friends. She went out of this world leaving a Godly example for her friends and relatives. Besides her husband and children, she leaves one sister, Mrs. Belle Allison of Celina, 17 grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. Funeral services, directed by S.S. Buchanan & Son, were conducted by Pastor R. A. Walling at the Church of God Friday at ten o'clock a.m.
Willshire Herald (OH); October 10, 1919
Contributed by Janice Vasilovsky

Delphos, O., Jan. 29 - The funeral of Otto W. Stallkamp, 75, retired Delphos grocer, who died yesterday afternoon at St. Rita's Hospital in Lima, will be held at St. John's Catholic Church at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Mr. Stallkamp's death followed a serious illness of several days. He had been a lifelong resident of Delphos and for years had been associated with his brothers in the grocery business. Surviving are his widow; a son, Otto H. Stallkamp, Delphos; three granddaughters; a sister, Mrs. Jacob Kundert and three brothers, E. L., Louis C., and George H. Stallkamp, all of Delphos.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 30, 1940

Huntington, Jan. 5 - Mrs. Emma E. Sullivan, 82, died here last night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fay Foote, with whom she had lived for three years. The husband, John Sullivan, died in 1907. Surviving are a son, Fred Sullivan, Peru; the daughter, Mrs. Foote; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The body was taken to Wabash, where funeral services will be held at the Homer Jones Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. Watson of the Wabash Friends Church officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery at Wabash.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Van Wert, O., Jan. 18 - Mrs. Emma Swartz, 61, of Ohio City, widow of Charles W. Swartz, died at her home following an illness of several years. Mrs. Swartz resided in this city for a number of years before going to Ohio City. Surviving are two sons, Ellis and LaDoyt Swartz of Ohio City. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 19, 1940

Constantine, Mich., Jan. 6 - Mrs. Doris Melissa Traverse, 64, a resident of this place for the past 10 years died last night in the Constantine Hospital after a week of illness. Mrs. Traverse was a member of the Lutheran Church, the Pine Street Woman's Club and the Eastern Star. She is survived by her husband, Arthur Traverse; two daughters, Mrs. Ethel Beebe of Detroit and Mrs. Walter Norton of Port Huron; one son, Jacob Overmey of Chesening and two brothers, Joseph Seward of Petoskey and Jay Seward of Owosso. Services will be held Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Geisler Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Grace Lawn Cemetery in Flint.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Auto Injuries Fatal to Youth
Claude Vredenburg, Jr., 14 of 2503 Lawn Avenue died early yesterday of injuries sustained a year ago in an automobile accident on U.S. Road 30. Death occurred in St. Joseph's Hospital. Funeral services for the youth will be held Monday at 2:30 pm in the Harry Wilson Funeral Home, Rev. N. S. Weber officiating. Vredenburg was walking toward Fort Wane following a Boy Scout meeting when an auto operated by Daniel Riddle of 2708 ½ South Harrison Street struck him. His injuries included rib fractures, right leg fracture, chest injuries, bruises and abrasions. He attended Washington Township School and was a member of Scout Troop No. 46. Survivors include the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Vredenburg, Sr.; one brother, Robert and six sisters, Betty, Dorothy, Rota, Margarette, Donna and Patricia.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Mrs. Frank W. Silva of Covington Road received word yesterday of the death of her father, Marcus Ware, of San Diego, Cal., at a Los Angeles hospital. He is survived by his widow; his daughter, Mrs. Silva; a son, Marcus Jr., of Lewistown, Idaho; a sister, Mrs. Louie Cross of Ann Arbor, Mich., and four grandchildren.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940

Milford - Jan. 8, Final rites were conducted Saturday at South Bend for Sylvanius Irvin Warstler, 59, former Milford resident, who died at his home in South Bend Wednesday. Burial was at South Bend. Surviving are the widow, Agnes; his foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob B. Neff of Milford; five sons, Ladore of Mishawaka and Irvin, Paul, David and Robert of South Bend; two brothers, Curtis of Milford and Pardee of Leesburg, and a sister, Mrs. Anna Bennett of South Bend.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 9, 1940

Mrs. John Weiler, resident of Fort Wayne until about seven years ago died Friday afternoon at her home in Los Angeles, Calif. Survivors include the husband; a brother, E. S. Keller and a brother-in-law, James Clifford of this city.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 6, 1940

Incubator Baby Dies in Hospital
Kendallville - Jan. 6, Patricia Ann Woodcox, four-day-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Woodcox of this city, died today. Born Tuesday in Lakeside Hospital, she weighed only two pounds, six ounces and was 10 inches in height. Immediately placed in an incubator, she was fed hourly with a medicine dropper and later was given an oxygen treatment. Surviving are her parents and her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. O. Peachy of this city and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Woodcox of Auburn. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the Peachy home, Rev. D. J. Dunkin officiating, with burial in the Topeka Cemetery.
Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette, January 7, 1940